HUNDREDS of young schoolgirls have been immunised against a deadly cancer under a new health programme.

Around nine out of every 10 Year Eight girls — almost 1,700 of them — received a vaccine to help protect them from cervical cancer during the last academic year, new figures show.

And three quarters of this year’s intake have already had two out of the three jabs which prevent the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes most cervical cancer cases.

NHS Bolton, the area’s primary care trust in charge of health services, launched its programme to offer the vaccine to all Year Eight girls last year.

Debbie Edwards, NHS Bolton’s immunisation and vaccination co-ordinator, said: “We’ve been delighted at the excellent take up of this immunisation, with more than 88 per cent of our Year Eight girls receiving the full course.

“The girls and their parents have been really positive. Success of the programme is also, in part, thanks to the excellent partnership between schools and NHS Bolton and we must thank Bolton schools for their support.”

Nearly 90 per cent, 1,678, of girls in year eight during 2008-9 received all three doses, with health workers going into schools, and 75 per cent, or 1,389, of this year’s pupils had had two jabs by the end of December.

The vaccine against the HPV, which is passed on during sex, has been available from the NHS since autumn 2008.

The jab will be routinely offered to Year Eight girls but there is also currently a catch-up programme for those aged 14 to 18 — more than a thousand teenagers have taken advantage.

There are school sessions for other age groups and immunisation clinics at colleges and health centres like the Parallel Young People’s Health Centre, in Churchgate, in the town centre.

Ms Edwards added: “We are asking any 16-18 year olds who missed out on the opportunity to come forward. Also anyone who initially declined the vaccination and who has now changed their mind is also invited to contact us to arrange vaccination. It’s one way of taking responsibility for your own health.”

Any girl aged between 12 and 18, who is registered with a Bolton GP and has not received a full programme of three doses, should contact the immunisation team on 01204 463170 to arrange vaccination.

cherry.thomas@theboltonnews.co.uk